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Effects of growth hormone on kidney function in pediatric transplant recipients

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Abstract

Recent evidence suggests that treatment with recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) after a successful kidney transplant improves the growth rate of children with short stature. We prospectively investigated eight children (6 boys, 2 girls), focusing on acute rejection episodes and changes in serum creatinine levels during rhGH treatment. The children (mean age 11.6±3.4 years) received rhGH daily (0.04–0.05 mg/kg subcutaneously). Seven patients completed at least 12 months (20±8 months) of rhGH treatment. Their mean serum creatinine level was 1.3±0.7 mg/dl 12 months before, and increased to 3.4±4.2 mg/dl after 12 months of rhGH treatment, but did not achieve statistical significance (P=0.06). Their mean calculated glomerular filtration rate was 58±20 ml/min per 1.73 m2 12 months before, and decreased to 38±21 ml/min per 1.73 m2 12 months before, and decreased to 38±21 ml/min per 1.73 m2 after 12 months of rhGH treatment, but did not achieve statistical significance (P=0.08). Of the seven patients, two developed acute rejection after 5 and 6 rejection-free years; three lost their grafts and returned to dialysis. These preliminary observations describe untoward renal events in children receiving rhGH treatment after a kidney transplant.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota Medical Center, 420 Delaware Street S.E., 55455, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA

    Blanche M. Chavers, Leah Doherty, Thomas E. Nevins, Marie Cook & Kumud Sane

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  1. Blanche M. Chavers
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  2. Leah Doherty
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  3. Thomas E. Nevins
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  4. Marie Cook
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  5. Kumud Sane
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Chavers, B.M., Doherty, L., Nevins, T.E. et al. Effects of growth hormone on kidney function in pediatric transplant recipients. Pediatr Nephrol 9, 176–181 (1995). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00860737

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00860737

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